Harry "Butch" James Davidson

Harry “Butch” James Davidson, 78, died unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, September 30, 2020 at his home in Mechanicsville. In remembrance of Butch, a public visitation at 10 am and a Celebration of Life Service at 11 am will be held at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, on Saturday, October 3, 2020; followed by a Graveside Committal Service with American Legion Post 309 military honors, at the Mechanicsville Rose Hill Cemetery at 12 noon. Three memorial funds have been established in Butch’s memory; Mechanicsville’s Ambulance, American Legion Post 309 and Mechanicsville Library. Family asks that all cards and memorials be mailed c/o Carmen Davidson to 106 Country View Dr., Mechanicsville, IA 52306.

Harry “Butch” James Davidson, son of Verle Calvin Davidson and Lillian Olga (Conner) Davidson was born on Thursday, March 26, 1942 in Cedar Rapids, IA. He graduated with the Mechanicsville Class of 1960. Butch joined the US Marine Corps on January 15, 1961. He served his country for four years, during which he served 13 months in Okinawa, Japan, until his Honorable discharge on January 15, 1965. He then worked at the CRANDIC Railway Co. Cedar Rapids IA as a switchman for 37 years. Butch first met his future wife, Carmen Kay Kadlec, in kindergarten. They attended school together and later married on October 13, 1962 in Mechanicsville, IA; where they settled and raised four children together. Butch was a devoted husband and father. He always had a cold beer to offer whenever someone stopped by.  He enjoyed yardwork, detailing his car, cooking and trying new recipes on his grill, reading mystery and military books. He was an avid sports fan and always looked forward to watching baseball and playing golf.  He treasured any time he got to spend with this grandchildren and enjoyed beating them in cards whenever he was given the opportunity. Butch was a member of the Mechanicsville American Legion and the Mechanicsville United Methodist Church. Butch is survived by his wife, Carmen; daughter, Nicole (Dan) Jilovec of Mechanicsville, IA; sons, Jeff (Ann) Davidson of Mechanicsville, IA, Brad (Carla) Davidson of Osage Beach, MO, Tim (Lori) Davidson of Wade, NC; sister, Verlyn (Harold) Allen of Jesup, IA; four grandchildren, Adam Davidson, Kylee Jilovec, Kaitlyn Jilovec and Emily Davidson and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Verle and Lillian Davidson.